📖 Overview
Kurt Saxon is an American survivalist author and publisher known for his controversial writings on self-reliance, weapons manufacturing, and survivalism during the 1970s and 1980s. His works include instruction manuals on improvised weapons and DIY technology, as well as political commentary advocating for preparedness and individual self-sufficiency.
Saxon gained prominence through his self-published newsletter "The Survivor" and books like "The Poor Man's James Bond," which contained detailed instructions for manufacturing weapons and explosives. He coined the term "survivalist" in 1975 and was one of the first authors to extensively write about survival preparation and post-apocalyptic scenarios.
Prior to his writing career, Saxon was briefly associated with the American Nazi Party and later converted to Mormonism, though he eventually distanced himself from both organizations. His real name is Donald Eugene Sisco, and he adopted the pen name Kurt Saxon in the early 1970s.
His publications have been controversial due to their potentially dangerous content, leading to scrutiny from law enforcement agencies. Despite this controversy, Saxon's works have influenced the modern survivalist movement and continue to circulate among preparedness enthusiasts.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe Kurt Saxon's works as highly technical manuals that go beyond typical survival advice. Many reviews note the detailed instructions and practical DIY guidance.
Reviews highlight Saxon's knowledge of chemistry, engineering, and technological adaptation. Multiple readers on survivalist forums value the concrete how-to information and hands-on approach to self-sufficiency, though some note the dated nature of older techniques.
Common criticisms focus on the extreme political views, poor editing/formatting, and potentially dangerous content. Several readers on Amazon report confusion over different editions and versions of his works.
Due to the controversial nature of Saxon's content, many of his books are not listed on mainstream review sites like Goodreads. Reviews are scattered across survivalist forums and alternative book sites, making comprehensive ratings data unavailable. Amazon listings show mostly 3-4 star ratings, with reviewers split between praising the technical details and questioning the responsible distribution of sensitive information.
Note: This response focuses on publicly available reader opinions while avoiding details about potentially harmful content.
📚 Books by Kurt Saxon
The Poor Man's James Bond (1972)
DIY manual containing instructions for weapons, explosives, and survival techniques.
Wheels of Rage (1973) First-hand account of the author's experiences with the American Nazi Party and other extremist groups.
The Militant's Formulary (1974) Instructions for creating various chemical compounds and improvised weapons.
Granddad's Wonderful Book of Chemistry (1987) Collection of chemistry experiments and formulas from late 19th and early 20th century sources.
The Survivor (Vol. 1-4, 1976-1982) Series of newsletters covering self-reliance, survival skills, and DIY projects.
Root Rot (1978) Critique of modern society and argument for self-sufficiency and survivalist preparation.
What to Do When the Power Fails (1980) Guide to maintaining household functions and basic survival during electrical outages.
Fireworks & Explosives Like Granddad Used to Make (1975) Historical compilation of pyrotechnic formulas and explosive manufacturing methods.
Wheels of Rage (1973) First-hand account of the author's experiences with the American Nazi Party and other extremist groups.
The Militant's Formulary (1974) Instructions for creating various chemical compounds and improvised weapons.
Granddad's Wonderful Book of Chemistry (1987) Collection of chemistry experiments and formulas from late 19th and early 20th century sources.
The Survivor (Vol. 1-4, 1976-1982) Series of newsletters covering self-reliance, survival skills, and DIY projects.
Root Rot (1978) Critique of modern society and argument for self-sufficiency and survivalist preparation.
What to Do When the Power Fails (1980) Guide to maintaining household functions and basic survival during electrical outages.
Fireworks & Explosives Like Granddad Used to Make (1975) Historical compilation of pyrotechnic formulas and explosive manufacturing methods.
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James Wesley Rawles focuses on preparedness and survival scenarios through both fiction and non-fiction works. His books contain detailed information about survival tactics and sustainable living practices.
Mel Tappan wrote foundational texts about survivalism and self-reliance in the 1970s. His work covers weapons, food storage, and establishing survival retreats.
Jeff Cooper produced books about firearms handling, self-defense, and combat mindset. His writing emphasizes practical applications and real-world defensive scenarios.
Carla Emery created comprehensive guides about homesteading and self-sufficient living. Her work provides step-by-step instructions for farming, food preservation, and traditional skills.